Polymer Composites: Fiber Architecture, Interfacial Engineering, and Processing

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer composites are increasingly central to high-performance applications across sectors, from transportation, energy, and construction to consumer goods and emerging technologies. This Special Issue invites original research on advances in fiber-reinforced polymer composites, with a focus on materials design, interfacial phenomena, and scalable processing technologies. We encourage submissions addressing a wide range of fiber types, including glass; carbon; aramid; basalt; natural polymer fibers; ultra-high-strength monocrystalline fibers, such as silicon carbide; and high-performance polyethylene. The interactions between fiber architecture and polymer matrix structure, including thermosets and thermoplastics, crystallinity, cross-linking density, and contraction behavior, are a key determinant of composite performance and reliability.

A major theme of this Issue is fiber–matrix adhesion. We welcome investigations into chemical bonding, mechanical interlocking, reactive interface chemistry (e.g., acid treatments), and electrostatic effects. Contributions addressing the influence of fiber dimensions, orientation (random, unidirectional, orthogonal), surface preparation (e.g., organosilanes, phosphates, titanates), and polymer viscosity or wettability on adhesion and overall composite strength are encouraged. The relationships between microstructural parameters—such as fiber length, diameter, content, and spatial distribution—and mechanical properties, particularly tensile and impact strength, are also of interest. Studies that link interfacial engineering to durability, environmental resistance, or regulatory standards are highly relevant to both applied research and policy development.

We invite contributions on composite processing techniques, covering both established and emerging methods. For thermosetting systems, this includes manual lay-up, spray lay-up, vacuum infusion, the autoclave consolidation of prepregs, compression molding, pultrusion, sheet molding compounds, and filament winding. For thermoplastic composites, injection molding and extrusion are of particular interest, especially in relation to fiber dispersion, orientation, and interface control. Contributions bridging fundamental understanding and practical technology for large-scale manufacturing, performance standards, or life-cycle considerations are encouraged.

Dr. Kristofer Paso
Dr. Patrycja Bazan
Dr. P. M. Visakh
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.